B20 Biodiesel Approved for use by Cummins

{This is a from a recent article released by Cummins}
B20 Biodiesel
One reason for biodiesel’s popularity is its capability to reduce emissions. Biodiesel may also help to reduce reliance on imported oil, using renewable “homegrown” energy sources. Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using any biodiesel blend from B2 to B20 biodiesel fuel.

The popularity and use of biodiesel fuel continues to climb. Recent studies predict that, by 2008, 1.2 billion gallons of B100 biodiesel will be produced in the United States. One reason for biodiesel’s popularity is its capability to reduce emissions. Biodiesel may also help to reduce reliance on imported oil, using renewable “homegrown” energy sources.

Pure 100% biodiesel contains no petroleum and is commonly referred to as B100. While it works in diesel engines, most manufacturers, including Cummins, recommend a blend with petroleum-based diesel fuel. B5 is a blend of 5% biodiesel and 95% petroleum-based diesel fuel and is the most readily available biodiesel today. Other blends that are also available include B2, B10 and B20.

All of these biodiesel blends up to B20 are now approved for use in Cummins diesel engines, including those in transit operations.

Cummins has upgraded its previous position on the use of biodiesel fuel for three key reasons: First, the American Society of Testing Materials specification ASTM D6751 now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel; second, the availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is growing rapidly; and third, Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using B20 fuel.

“We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our engine,” said Edward Lyford-Pike, Chief Engineer – Advanced Alternative Fuel Programs. “This will enable our urban transit fleets to have a choice that includes fuel made, in part, from renewable resources”. For more information, see the Cummins biodiesel FAQ.